Samsung NX mini vs Sony NEX-3
93 Imaging
51 Features
68 Overall
57
89 Imaging
53 Features
55 Overall
53
Samsung NX mini vs Sony NEX-3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20.5MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 160 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
- 1/16000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Samsung NX-M Mount
- 196g - 110 x 62 x 23mm
- Released March 2014
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800
- 1280 x 720 video
- Sony E Mount
- 297g - 117 x 62 x 33mm
- Launched June 2010
- New Model is Sony NEX-C3
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Following is a extended assessment of the Samsung NX mini vs Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Samsung and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the NX mini (20.5MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the NX mini (1") and NEX-3 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoThe NX mini was introduced 3 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the NX mini matches up against the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung NX mini & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung NX mini Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Samsung NX mini over the Sony NEX-3
| NX mini | NEX-3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | March 2014 | June 2010 | More modern by 47 months | |
| Touch friendly screen | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-3 over the Samsung NX mini
| NEX-3 | NX mini | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen resolution | 920k | 461k | Clearer screen (+459k dot) |
Common features in the Samsung NX mini and Sony NEX-3
| NX mini | NEX-3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Very exact focus | |||
| Screen type | Tilting | Tilting | Tilting screen | |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" | Same screen dimensions | |
| Selfie screen | Absent selfie screen |
Samsung NX mini vs Sony NEX-3 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Samsung NX mini has external measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).
Check the Samsung NX mini vs Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the NX mini compared to the NEX-3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NX mini and NEX-3 is 93 and 89 respectively.
Samsung NX mini vs Sony NEX-3 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it can be hard to see the gap in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The image below should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the NX mini and NEX-3.
As you can plainly see, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The NX mini having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Samsung NX mini will provide greater detail using its extra 6.5MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The younger NX mini will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.
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Samsung NX mini vs Sony NEX-3 Specifications
| Samsung NX mini | Sony Alpha NEX-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Samsung | Sony |
| Model type | Samsung NX mini | Sony Alpha NEX-3 |
| Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Released | 2014-03-19 | 2010-06-07 |
| Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | - | Bionz |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | 1" | APS-C |
| Sensor measurements | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
| Sensor area | 116.2mm² | 365.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 20.5 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Maximum resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 4592 x 3056 |
| Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
| Maximum boosted ISO | 25600 | - |
| Minimum native ISO | 160 | 200 |
| RAW format | ||
| Minimum boosted ISO | 100 | - |
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| AF touch | ||
| Continuous AF | ||
| AF single | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| Selective AF | ||
| AF center weighted | ||
| AF multi area | ||
| AF live view | ||
| Face detect focusing | ||
| Contract detect focusing | ||
| Phase detect focusing | ||
| Total focus points | 21 | 25 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | Samsung NX-M | Sony E |
| Number of lenses | 2 | 121 |
| Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Display type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Display diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
| Resolution of display | 461k dot | 920k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch screen | ||
| Display tech | TFT-LCD (180 degree tilt) | TFT Xtra Fine LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/16000s | 1/4000s |
| Continuous shooting speed | 6.0 frames/s | 7.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash distance | - | 12.00 m |
| Flash settings | Smart Flash, auto, auto + redeye reduction, fill-in, fill-in + redeye reduction, 1st curtain, 2nd curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
| Hot shoe | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Maximum flash sync | 1/200s | 1/160s |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 (all 30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
| Microphone jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 196 grams (0.43 lb) | 297 grams (0.65 lb) |
| Physical dimensions | 110 x 62 x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") | 117 x 62 x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around rating | not tested | 68 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 22.1 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.0 |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | 830 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 650 shots | 330 shots |
| Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | B740 | NPFW50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2-30 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Type of storage | microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Storage slots | Single | Single |
| Retail price | $530 | $0 |